DESC:TITLE: A SUSPENDED CEILING SYSTEM
FILED OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure is generally related to a suspended ceiling system. The present disclosure is particularly related to a suspended ceiling system with: self-aligning capability; and dismounting or swing down functions of panels to access the plenum for other services.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Suspended ceiling is a second ceiling that hangs below the original or structural one. Said suspended ceilings are very popular in commercial properties as they provide useful space for concealing unsightly wires and installations that otherwise would alter the interior appearance of a building.
Different types of suspended ceiling are available. Curved (curvilinear) ceiling is one such type that enables the creating of arches and multilevel designs. Such curved ceilings are suitable for most industry sectors including: corporate; transport (airports, metro, bus, and train stations); retail; leisure; public spaces; hospitality; healthcare; and education.
A conventional way of achieving the curvilinear configuration of suspended false ceiling would be to modify the carrier in triangular shape to receive the panels in folded or pleated pattern. This leads to the following: (1) Higher material consumption for the carrier due to increase in size and thickness; (2) Safety issues in securing the panel with the carrier; (3) Increase in cost of material and installation; (4) Difficulty in removing and re-fixing the panels to access the plenum; and (5) The locking of both the ends of the panels with hook-on mechanism may not allow the ceiling to be configured in a curvilinear shape.
Further, higher thickness panels of aluminium or GI material have to be used to withstand the shape of curvilinear configuration. In such conventional systems, carrier with prong is used; said prong may fail, i.e., the carrier may pop out from the prong.
Furthermore, mechanical fixing techniques used in conventional systems may not allow the forming of smooth curves on the transition of the plane.
There is, therefore, a need in the art for a suspended ceiling system that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and shortfalls.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A suspended ceiling system with self-aligning capability and dismounting or swing down functions of panels to access the plenum is disclosed. Said suspended ceiling system broadly comprises: an at least a carrier member; an at least a panel member; an at least a first connecting member; an at least a suspension unit; an at least a threaded rod; an at least a locking member; an at least a second connecting member; and an at least a bracket.
The at least one carrier member carries the system.
A first end of the at least one panel member is associated with the at least one first connecting member, while a second end of the at least one panel member is removably associated with the at least one second connecting member through the at least one locking member. Two adjacent panel members are associated with the at least one first connecting member at an angle of 90 degrees.
The at least one second connecting member is associated with the at least one carrier member.
The at least one suspension unit broadly comprises an at least a torsion spring that is associated with the at least one second connecting member, by retaining a twisted portion of the at least one torsion spring at a bottom of the at least one second connecting member.
The at least one locking member facilitates the associating of the at least one second connecting member with the at least one carrier member, thereby securing the at least one torsion spring in its position.
A first end of the at least one threaded rod is associated with the at least one carrier member through the at least one bracket, while a second end of the at least one threaded rod is associated with a sub-structure.
Said at least one threaded rod, along with the at least one suspension unit, facilitates: the restoring of the tension on the at least one second connecting member and the at least one locking member towards the surface; and the arresting of the sliding and loosening of the at least one panel member over a period of time.
At least the configurations of the at least one first connecting member; the at least one second connecting member; the at least one locking member; and the at least one suspension unit facilitate the achieving of: the self-aligning capability; and dismounting or swing down functions of the panel members to access the plenum.
The suspended ceiling system is configured to be: curved outwards and/or curved inwards.
The disclosed suspended ceiling system facilitates the achieving of curvilinear configuration, with: self-aligning, and dismounting/swing down functions of the panel members to access the plenum for other services, through minimal configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a suspended ceiling system, in accordance with the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates another embodiment of a suspended ceiling system, in accordance with the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a magnified view of the inset A of an embodiment of a suspended ceiling system, as shown in Figure 2, in accordance with the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates a magnified view of the inset A of Figure 3, in accordance with the present disclosure;
Figure 5a and Figure 5b illustrate a magnified view of different embodiments of a suspension unit, in accordance with the present disclosure; and
Figure 6a to Figure 6h illustrate the various components of an embodiment of a suspended ceiling system, in accordance with the present disclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Throughout this specification, the use of the words "comprise", “have”, “contain” and “include”, and variations such as "comprises", "comprising", “having”, “contains”, “containing”, “includes”, and “including” may imply the inclusion of an element or elements not specifically recited. The disclosed embodiments may be embodied in various other forms as well.
Throughout this specification, the phrases “at least a”, “at least an”, and “at least one” are used interchangeably.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “plurality” is to be construed as being inclusive of “at least one”.
Throughout this specification, the disclosure of a range is to be construed as being inclusive of the lower limit of the range and the upper limit of the range.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “system” is to be construed as a set of technical components (also referred to as “members”) that are communicatively and/or operably associated with each other, and function together as part of a mechanism to achieve a desired technical result.
Throughout this specification, the use of the words “communication”, “couple”, and their variations (such as communicatively) is to be construed as being inclusive of: one-way communication (or coupling); and two-way communication (or coupling), as the case may be.
Throughout this specification, where applicable, the use of the phrase “at least” is to be construed in association with the suffix “one” i.e. it is to be read along with the suffix “one” as “at least one”, which is used in the meaning of “one or more”. A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the phrase “at least one” is a standard term that is used in Patent Specifications to denote any component of a disclosure that may be present or disposed in a single quantity or more than a single quantity.
Also, it is to be noted that embodiments may be described as a method. Although the operations in a method are described as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel, concurrently, or simultaneously. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A method may be terminated when its operations are completed, but may also have additional steps.
The present disclosure is related to a folded/pleated and curvilinear configuration of a suspended false ceiling, with: ease of panel removal or access to plenum; and air gap for smoke extraction.
A suspended ceiling system (100) (also referred to as “system”) is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated in Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3, the suspended ceiling system (100) broadly comprises: an at least a carrier member (101); an at least a panel member (102); an at least a first connecting member (103); an at least a suspension unit (104); an at least a threaded rod (106); an at least a locking member (107); an at least a second connecting member (108); and an at least a bracket (109).
A first end of the at least one panel member (102) is associated with the at least one first connecting member (103), while a second end of the at least one panel member (102) is associated with the at least one second connecting member (108).
The at least one second connecting member (108) is associated with the at least one carrier member (101). As illustrated in Figure 4, the second end of the at least one panel member (102) is removably associated with the at least one second connecting member (108) through the at least one locking member (107).
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one carrier member (101) carries the system (100).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, two adjacent panel members are associated with the at least one first connecting member (103) at an angle of 90 degrees, as illustrated in Figure 3.
The at least one suspension unit (104) of the system (100) is illustrated in Figure 5a and Figure 5b. As illustrated, the at least one suspension unit (104) broadly comprises: an at least a torsion spring (105) that is associated with the at least one second connecting member (108), by retaining a twisted portion of the at least one torsion spring (105) at a bottom of the at least one second connecting member (108).
The at least one locking member (107; for example, a pin) facilitates the associating of the at least one second connecting member (108) with the at least one carrier member (101), thereby securing the at least one torsion spring (105) in its position.
The at least one threaded rod (106) of the system (100) is illustrated in Figure 6h. A first end of the at least one threaded rod (106) is associated with the at least one carrier member (101) through the at least one bracket (109), while a second end of the at least one threaded rod (106) is associated with a sub-structure.
Said at least one threaded rod (106), along with the at least one suspension unit (104), facilitates: the restoring of the tension on the at least one second connecting member (108) and the at least one locking member (107) towards the surface; and the arresting of the sliding and loosening of the at least one panel member (102) over a period of time.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the suspended ceiling system (100) is configured to be curved outwards.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the suspended ceiling system (100) is configured to be curved inwards.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one panel member (102) is configured, as illustrated in Figure 6a.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated in Figure 6b, the at least one second connecting member (108) is configured to resemble the letter “S”.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one carrier member (101) is configured to be of hat-shaped curvilinear structure, as illustrated in Figure 6c.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one torsion spring (105) is configured, as illustrated in Figure 6d.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated in Figure 6e, the at least one first connecting member (103) is configured to be of butterfly shape.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one bracket (109) is configured to resemble the letter “L”, as illustrated in Figure 6f.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one panel member (102) is 300 mm wide, with a perforated surface, and is made of 0.7 mm thick aluminium.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one carrier member (101) is made of 0.9 mm thick aluminium.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the suspended ceiling system (100) is associated with the sub-structure, through the at least one threaded rod (106).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, air gaps for smoke extraction are configured by disposing the at least one second connection member (108) with a necessary gap, while connecting with the at least one carrier member (101), or by introducing big perforations and large openings on the surface of the at least one panel member (102).
The self-aligning capability of the disclosed suspended ceiling system (100), and dismounting or swing down functions of panels to access the plenum for other services, is achieved as a result of at least the configurations of: the at least one first connecting member (103); the at least one second connecting member (108); the at least one locking member (107); and the at least one suspension unit (104).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, self-aligning of the system (100) is achieved by providing of mechanical slots at equal intervals in relation to the angle of the curvilinear configuration and disposing punches on the surface of the at least one carrier member (101).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the spring action of the at least one torsion spring (105) pulls the at least one second connecting member (108) closer to the at least one carrier member (101). The torsion on the at least one torsion spring (105) is restored by the at least one locking member (107).
Flat bend edges on the at least one torsion spring (105) form a seating for the system (100) and prevent disconnection with the at least one carrier member (101) as a whole, thereby behaving as a swing down system.
The disclosed suspended ceiling system (100) facilitates the achieving of the curvilinear configuration, with: self-aligning, and dismounting/swing down functions of the panel members to access the plenum for other services, through minimal configuration.
It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. Various modifications, additions, alterations and improvements without deviating from the spirit and the scope of the disclosure may be made by a person skilled in the art. Such modifications, additions, alterations and improvements should be construed as being within the scope of this disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS:
100 – Suspended Ceiling System or System
101 – At Least One Carrier Member
102 – At Least One Panel Member
103 – At Least One First Connecting Member
104 – At Least One Suspension Unit
105 – At Least One Torsion Spring
106 – At Least One Threaded Rod
107 – At Least One Locking Member
108 – At Least One Second Connecting Member
109 – At Least One Bracket
,CLAIMS:1. A suspended ceiling system (100) with: self-aligning capability; and dismounting or swing down functions of panels to access the plenum, comprising:
an at least a carrier member (101) that carries the system (100);
an at least a panel member (102), with:
a first end of the at least one panel member (102) being associated with an at least a first connecting member (103);
a second end of the at least one panel member (102) being removably associated with an at least a second connecting member (108) through an at least a locking member (107); and
two adjacent panel members being associated with the at least one first connecting member (103) at an angle of 90 degrees;
the at least one second connecting member (108) that is associated with the at least one carrier member (101);
an at least a suspension unit (104) that comprises:
an at least a torsion spring (105) that is associated with the at least one second connecting member (108), by retaining a twisted portion of the at least one torsion spring (105) at a bottom of the at least one second connecting member (108); and
the at least one locking member (107) that facilitates the associating of the at least one second connecting member (108) with the at least one carrier member (101), thereby securing the at least one torsion spring (105) in its position; and
an at least a threaded rod (106), with:
a first end of the at least one threaded rod (106) being associated with the at least one carrier member (101) through an at least a bracket (109);
a second end of the at least one threaded rod (106) being associated with a sub-structure; and
said at least one threaded rod (106), along with the at least one suspension unit (104) facilitating: the restoring of the tension on the at least one second connecting member (108) and the at least one locking member (107) towards the surface; and the arresting of the sliding and loosening of the at least one panel member (102) over a period of time,
with the configurations of: the at least one first connecting member (103); the at least one second connecting member (108); the at least one locking member (107); and the at least one suspension unit (104) facilitating the achieving of the self-aligning capability and dismounting or swing down functions of the panels to access the plenum.
2. The suspended ceiling system (100) with: self-aligning capability; and dismounting or swing down functions of panels to access the plenum, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suspended ceiling system (100) is configured to be curved outwards.
3. The suspended ceiling system (100) with: self-aligning capability; and dismounting or swing down functions of panels to access the plenum, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suspended ceiling system (100) is configured to be curved inwards.
4. The suspended ceiling system (100) with: self-aligning capability; and dismounting or swing down functions of panels to access the plenum, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one carrier member (101) is configured to be of hat-shaped curvilinear structure.
5. The suspended ceiling system (100) with: self-aligning capability; and dismounting or swing down functions of panels to access the plenum, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one second connecting member (108) is configured to resemble the letter “S”.
6. The suspended ceiling system (100) with: self-aligning capability; and dismounting or swing down functions of panels to access the plenum, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one first connecting member (103) is configured to be of butterfly shape.
7. The suspended ceiling system (100) with: self-aligning capability; and dismounting or swing down functions of panels to access the plenum, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one bracket (109) is configured to resemble the letter “L”.
8. The suspended ceiling system (100) with: self-aligning capability; and dismounting or swing down functions of panels to access the plenum, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one panel member (102) is 300 mm wide, with a perforated surface, and is made of 0.7 mm thick aluminium.
9. The suspended ceiling system (100) with: self-aligning capability; and dismounting or swing down functions of panels to access the plenum, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one carrier member (101) is made of 0.9 mm thick aluminium.